Behind the iconic Big Ben is the Houses of Parliament. This is where the House of Commons and the House of Lords sit down together to make laws. Yes, it’s here where laws are introduced and debated for the greater good of the British people. Visitors are actually allowed to go in here via a guided tour. It is advised to book ahead.

If you look at it from across River Thames, this neo-Gothic building has three towers. And the most famous of all is the Clock Tower where the famous bell, nicknamed as Big Ben, continues to ring.

Here are 10 interesting facts I learned about the Houses of Parliament in London

It’s also called Palace of Westminster. Well, obviously, it is a palace!

10 Interesting Facts About the Houses of Parliament in London.

2. Inside, there are 100 stairwells.

10 Interesting Facts About the Houses of Parliament in London.

3. Can you imagine a palace with 11 courtyards and 1100 offices?

10 Interesting Facts About the Houses of Parliament in London.

4. And oh, did you know that there are over 3 miles of passages here? I wonder how many are secret passages.

10 Interesting Facts About the Houses of Parliament in London.

5. The Queen is NOT allowed in the House of Commons.

10 Interesting Facts About the Palace of Westminster in London.

6. In the House of Lords, the benches are in fine, red leather.

10 Interesting Facts About the Palace of Westminster in London.

7. While in the House of Commons, the custom benches are green leather.

10 Interesting Facts About the Palace of Westminster in London.

8. Westminster Hall is the oldest room inside. It was built in 1097 and was once the largest hall in Europe!

10 Interesting Facts About the Palace of Westminster in London.

9. Members of the Parliament aren’t allowed to curse or use any vulgar language that demean the dignity of the individual.

10 Interesting Facts About the Palace of Westminster in London.

10. At the lobby inside, there are statues of UK’s great and past Prime Ministers. Members of the Parliament touch the bust statues (for good luck) of their favoured Prime Minister before they face their fellows for a debate or speech.

Saving Tips in London

To make your trip easier, without having to worry where to go, what transport to take and without having to join the queue for the ticket, you’d better buy London Explorer or London Pass. Both can save you a lot of money and time, especially if you’re gonna be in the city for just a couple of days.

WHERE TO STAY IN LONDON

Well, we all know that London isn’t cheap. Getting an affordable place to stay in the middle of action or of everything is a definitely a challenge to browse from one website to another. Then I found SoHostel. And yes, it’s in Soho and very accessible to the metro / subway, shops, bars, restaurants, groceries, and more. The rooms aren’t cramped but also not spacious. I love the bold colors in their interior and wifi was pretty good.

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The Sojourner

A sojourner who has an insatiable urge to wander and takes a lot of photos. He finds pleasure in sunsets and burying his feet in the sand - because he doesn't know how to swim! He's on a mission to find bliss in everything he does, wherever he goes.